Give me parting gift by winning AFCON trophy, Musa charges teammates

By VICTOR OKOYE

Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa has charged his teammates to win the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in Cameroon as a parting gift for him.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Musa made the appeal at a pre-match news conference on Monday in Garoua, ahead of the Super Eagles’ opening fixture against Egypt.

The Super Eagles and the Pharaohs of Egypt are set to clash in what is potentially the pick of the group’s battles at the Stade Roumdé Adjia from 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

According to the 29-year-old, he would, however, be open for invitation if called up for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

Musa, who is the national team’s most-capped player charged his teammates to win the 2021 AFCON trophy as a parting gift for him.

He revealed that this would be the last time he would be playing in an AFCON

tournament.

“I think this is my last AFCON insha Allah.

“I have spoken to the boys that this is the only gift they can give to me because this is my last AFCON and the boys told me that they are ready.

“My first AFCON was in South Africa in 2013 and we ended up winning it, while my second appearance was in Egypt and we won the bronze,” he said.

Musa, in his 12 years of playing for the Eagles has netted 16 goals, including four at two World Cups.

He is Nigeria’s most-capped player after getting his 101st international cap in the team’s 2-0 victory over Central African Republic on Oct. 10, 2021.

The feat saw him surpass former captains Joseph Yobo and Vincent Enyeama, who are both on 100 caps for Nigeria.

Musa, who made his debut for Nigeria against Madagascar in a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Sept. 5, 2010, however, said he would still be available if invited for the World Cup qualifiers.

He added that the match between the Super Eagles and the Pharaohs would be an open game as both teams had the chance of carrying the day.

“I will always give my best when I am called up, either in the tournament or the qualifiers. I want to give my best always.”

“Both teams have good players, they have the chance to win. We will do our best to win tomorrow.

Egyptian captain Mohamed Sallah on his part said although the Super Eagles were a formidable side, he and his teammates would do their best to defeat them.

“I don’t think there is need to reply him because he is someone I respect so much.

“Super Eagles have a good team but we would do our best to defeat them.” he said.

Egypt Coach Carlos Queiroz reacting ahead of the game said the match would be a good test for his team.

“It’s a pleasure to play against a great team like Nigeria with World Cup players.

“We want to play against the best in the tournament and this is a good test.” (NAN)